Posted on

How To Gift A Vehicle This Holiday Season

Holiday bulbs - Terry, MS

If you are considering going big this holiday season by buying a loved one a new car, preparation is absolutely vital. Trust us; we’ve been part of quite a few surprises at Skinners Chevrolet Buick GMC, so trust that we know what we’re talking about with these tips for buying a car as a Holiday gift.

  • Tell us it’s a surprise: Make sure you tell your salesperson that the vehicle purchase is a surprise for someone else. That way, we know not to call your home or send you mailers following up on your recent vehicle purchase until we are sure the car has been gifted.
  • Order way in advance: If there is a specific model in a specific color with specific features that you want, it’s possible you will need to order the vehicle, which can take several weeks. Don’t wait until the last minute, especially since the volume of cars being ordered tends to increase during the holidays. Order the vehicle early enough to ensure it’s ready by the date you intend to give your loved one their new ride.
  • Get it right: Vehicles are among the biggest, most expensive purchases you can make. Don’t mess up by buying your spouse or child the wrong vehicle. Make sure you know which model they want, in which color, with which features.
  • Consider the recipient: Not everyone likes surprises — at least not surprises this big. If you share finances with the recipient, they might not like being left in the dark about such a big financial decision. Think about your loved one, and only proceed with the surprise if you’re sure they’ll be okay with it.

As long as you take these tips into consideration, you’ll be set to give your loved one the gift of a lifetime. If you want some help arranging everything in advance, stop by Skinners Chevrolet Buick GMC and let us help you make sure everything goes off without a hitch — unless you’re looking at a new pickup, in which case we can make sure you only get the type of hitch you’re looking for.

Please follow and like us:
error
Posted on

How To Save Money For A New Car

New Car Savings - Terry, MS

Buying a new car, truck, or SUV can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be stressful if you are working with a tight budget. Here are a few money-saving tips to help you out when buying a new car:

  • Pay cash: If you are able to pay in cash and avoid financing altogether, you should do so. That will remove all interest you would end up paying over the life of the loan, and it means you won’t have monthly payments. If a brand new car is out of your price range when it comes to paying cash upfront, consider some of our other tips.
  • Improve your credit score: Don’t buy if your credit score is in poor shape. Spend a half a year to a year improving it by lowering your credit utilization, diversifying your credit portfolio, and paying all bills on time, if not early. If you are still struggling with a poor credit score, ask a trusted family member to be a cosigner to reduce your interest rate.
  • Wait for a sale: Skinners Chevrolet Buick GMC runs multiple sales throughout the year. Follow us on social media to see when we are having huge sales on various models.
  • Pick the base trim: Features like leather seats, a premium sound system, and an upgraded infotainment system are nice, but if they are making the cost of a vehicle too prohibitive, consider going with the more affordable base model of the car you’re looking at.
  • Choose an economy model: The Chevrolet Buick GMC lineup offers a number of economical options, which are more budget-friendly than large SUVs and pickup trucks. Consider one of these models if you are worried about high monthly payments.
  • Consider CPO: Certified pre-owned cars aren’t technically new, so they are priced more affordably, yet they come with many new car perks.
  • Talk with the dealership: Many dealerships, including Skinners, can offer you advantageous rates if you finance your vehicle directly through them. You can take advantage of special offers, and we will help you find a quality vehicle even if your credit score is less than ideal.

The process of buying a vehicle should be simple, fun, and worry-free. All of us here at Skinners Chevrolet Buick GMC want to give you that experience, so when you’re ready for your next car, stop by and let us help you with whatever you need, every step of the way.

Please follow and like us:
error
Posted on

Routine Maintenance Reminders

Routine Maintenance | Terry, MS

Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your Chevy, Buick, or GMC vehicle running smoothly for years to come. Keep up with this maintenance by following along with your owner’s manual and scheduling an appointment with us roughly every 5,000 miles. Here are some of the general maintenance milestones to consider:

  • Every 5,000 miles: At each 5,000-mile interval, you should get an oil change and tire rotation, as well as have fluids topped off.
  • Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles: Between these significant markers, it’s important to replace your air filter (15,000 miles), check the battery (20,000 miles), and replace the power steering fluid (30,000 miles). A technician should also inspect the HVAC system, brake pads, and more.
  • Every 35,000 to 50,000 miles: It’s likely you’ll need to replace your battery every 35,000 miles, which is typically every three years for the average driver. At 40,000 miles, you should replace your vehicle’s spark plugs. At 45,000 and 50,000 miles, have a technician check the suspension and ignition system.
  • Every 60,000 miles: This major milestone requires a technician’s detailed inspection of important components like the engine, tires, and HVAC. You should also have the technician replace radiator hoses, power steering fluid, the timing belt, coolant, brake pads, and brake fluid.

As long as you take care of your vehicle, it will continue to take care of you. If you’re due for any of the maintenance we mentioned above, or if you’re not sure what you need, set up a service appointment with Skinners Chevrolet Buick GMC we’ll get your vehicle into tip-top shape in no time.

Please follow and like us:
error
Posted on

Get to Know the Skinners Service Department

Service Department - Terry, MS

Here at Skinners Chevrolet Buick GMC, we love to sell cars. However, we also love to fix them and ensure our customers are safe and stylish in their rides. If your car is in need of service, whether you bought it from us or not, we are here to help. At the Skinners Service Department, we want to give your car the expert service it deserves.

 

Service Specials

 

We know how expensive it can be to repair your car. That is why we frequently offer money saving service specials for different types of service like oil changes, brake pad replacements, tire rotations, and batteries.

 

Certified Service

 

All of our service technicians have been factory-trained to know everything about General Motors vehicles. They have to go through years of training and pass rigorous tests before they can become certified.

 

Genuine GM Parts

 

If we have to replace a part on your Chevrolet, Buick, or GMC vehicle, we will use Genuine GM Parts. These parts are expertly crafted to fit and work exactly like the original factory part. These parts are also backed by a warranty. Many parts come with a 24-month/Unlimited Mileage warranty, while others offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty. If a replaced part fails within that time period, you won’t have to pay for the part again.

 

Visit our Service Department or give us a call at (601) 308-4194 if you have any additional questions.

Please follow and like us:
error
Posted on

Car Interior Cleaning Hacks

Cleaning Interior - Terry, MS

If you are like most people, your car starts to gather trash and junk over time. Summer is a great time to remedy that situation and give your car a thorough detailing. Here are a few car interior cleaning hacks to help make things a little bit easier.

Empty your car. The first thing you will want to do is take everything out of your car. Have a few boxes or bags ready to sort items into three categories: trash, keep, and find a new home.

Clean floor mats. You should have taken out your floor mats in step one. An easy way to clean them is to spray them down with the hose and then leave them in the sun to dry.

Wash hard surfaces. Starting from the top down, wipe all hard surfaces in your car. This should include things like the center console, doors, and windows.

Scrub away stains. You probably have one or two stains on your upholstery. Use a good upholstery cleaning solution, a stiff brush, and some clean rags to scrub away those stains.

Vacuum. Using the vacuum attachments, vacuum your entire car from the top down. Pay close attention to the tight spots between and under the seats.

Need service on your car? Head to Skinners Chevy Buick GMC to visit our factory-trained technicians.

Please follow and like us:
error
Posted on

How to Take Care of Your Car in the Summer

Car Care - Terry, MS

Summertime in Mississippi means scorching temperatures and sweltering humidity for months on end. To make sure you and your vehicle make it through the season, here are a few tips on how to take care of your car in the summer and prevent roadside disasters.

Check your battery. The high temperatures of summer can make battery fluid evaporate quickly. Heat can lead to internal failure in a weak battery. Have your battery tested to see if it has enough life left before you end up with a dead battery.

Check the coolant. You don’t want your car overheating. Make sure your car has enough coolant and that it is the correct proportion.

Inspect the HVAC system. Your air conditioning is a vital component during the summer. Not only does it keep you comfortable, but it helps prevent driver fatigue. If your A/C doesn’t seem as cold as it once was, have the system inspected, including your cabin filter.

Check the tires. Tires that are not properly inflated are more likely to experience a blowout. This risk increases even more when the road temperatures are hot. Inspect your tires, check the tread depth, and make sure all the tires are inflated to the correct air pressure setting.

Need help getting your car ready for summer? Bring it in to Skinners Chevy Buick GMC for service courtesy of our expert technicians.

Please follow and like us:
error
Posted on

Three Easy Ways to Make the Most of Your Commute

Commute - Terry, MS

Does your drive to work feel more like a drag? These ideas will make the most of your commute while you’re behind the wheel.

 

Listen to classical literature audiobooks

You don’t need your eyes to read. You can absorb classic novels by listening to audiobooks, from “Pride and Prejudice” to “Paradise Lost.” Many pieces of literature are available via free downloadable apps on smartphone devices. Entertain yourself during your drive, and become “well-read” for that next dinner party you attend.

 

Practice your breathing

We don’t always think about our breathing. Can you remember when you intentionally took deep, lung-filling breaths? Try this in traffic, and it will decrease your stress level. This practice sets you up for success in the morning by establishing a relaxed, focused mindset to take on the work day challenges.

 

Learn a language

Many foreign language podcasts are available for download on your smartphone device. These mini-radio programs allow you to listen at your leisure. Choose a language that peaks your interest while you commute to work.

 

Stop by Skinners Chevrolet Buick GMC in Terry, MS, during our operating hours, if you need us to translate a strange sound your car is making. We will be more than happy to help you.

Please follow and like us:
error
Posted on

Tips for Saving Money for Your New Car

Saving Money - Terry, MS

Like buying a new house, a car purchase is one of the most expensive finances you can make in your lifetime. Before you buy, you can better prepare yourself for your down payment by following a few tips for saving money for your new car.

 

Remember to budget. One of the easiest ways to save money for a new car is to monitor your monthly expenses and cut down on your spending. Cutting out one slightly expensive cost that isn’t necessary for your day-to-day life can benefit you in the long run. For instance, if you buy your lunch at work, consider packing your lunch for the next few months. That will save you a decent amount of money.

 

Get a good savings account. Find a savings account that offers you a solid interest rate that will earn you money as it sits. Contact your local bank to find out which account might be best for your needs.

 

Be patient. The longer you wait, the more money you will have to give for your down payment. Unless it’s absolutely necessary to purchase a car now, take your time and save as much money as possible.

 

When it comes to time to buy, browse our new car inventory at Skinners Chevrolet Buick GMC.

Please follow and like us:
error